CA – Brand new Tesla hit while parked (Sentry footage). Can I choose Tesla for repairs + claim diminished value?
Hi everyone, Looking for some advice in California. My 2026 Tesla Model Y (literally 1 week old) was hit while parked in a parking lot. Sentry Mode recorded the whole thing and the driver left a note, so fault is clear. I’ll be going through their insurance. In a previous accident with my older Mazda, the insurance company directed me to Caliber Collision (their preferred shop). It was fine, but it wasn’t the manufacturer. This time, since the car is brand new, I’d strongly prefer to have repairs done at a Tesla-approved body shop / Tesla service center instead of the insurance’s preferred network shop. Questions: • In CA, can I insist on choosing Tesla as the repair facility? • Can insurance require me to use their preferred shop? • If Tesla’s estimate is higher, are they obligated to pay it? • Should I wait until repairs are complete before bringing up diminished value? • Has anyone successfully received diminished value in CA for minor cosmetic damage on a brand-new vehicle? Anything else I should be aware of when dealing with the adjuster? Appreciate any guidance — especially from anyone who’s gone through this with Tesla.